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Anti-Extractable Nuclear Antibodies Panel

Principle

Each rheumatic disease typically exhibits a characteristic antinuclear antibody (ANA) profile. Therefore, identifying the specific ANA pattern in a patient’s serum is valuable for the differential diagnosis of autoimmune connective tissue diseases. The Sm (Smith) antigen is a highly specific serologic marker found in approximately 20–30% of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antibodies to RNP (ribonucleoprotein) are detected in several rheumatic diseases; however, a high-titer anti-RNP response is most commonly associated with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD). Antibodies to SSA/Ro and SSB/La are observed most frequently in Sjögren’s syndrome, though they also occur in a significant proportion of patients with SLE. Additionally, anti-SSA/Ro antibodies have been associated with congenital heart block in neonates born to affected mothers. This ELISA test detects autoantibodies to RNP, Sm, SSA/Ro, and SSB/La in human serum.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen

Serum

Collection

Collect one 10 mL red-top tube (no anticoagulant or preservative) by standard venipuncture.

Processing

Allow blood to clot and centrifuge at 1600 rpm for 10 minutes to separate serum.

Storage and Transport

  • Room temperature: up to 8 hours
  • 2–8°C: up to 48 hours
  • –20°C or below: for longer storage

Send frozen serum on dry ice. Do not freeze samples in self-defros

Minimum Volume

100 µL of serum

Method

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Normal Range

Negative.
Positive results for each ENA antigen are indicated separately.

Turnaround Time

7-10 business days

Panel includes

  • Anti-ENA includes Sm and RNP
  • Anti-Sjögrens includes SSA and SSB

References

Kądziela, M., et al. The Art of Interpreting Antinuclear Antibodies (ANAs) in Clinical Practice,
Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025.


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